Illini Fans Squeeze Two Celebrations into One with Citrus Bowl Victory

University of Illinois football fans got their New Year’s Eve celebrations started early.

Clad in Fighting Illini orange and blue, fans packed Joe’s on Weed Street, 940 W. Weed St., in Goose Island to watch Illinois take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday afternoon.

A High Point for Illini Fans

Eric Mennel, who graduated from the University of Illinois in 1986, said that to be an Illini fan is to know pessimism because the team hasn’t had much luck in sports, so seeing them win a bowl game was a great way to end the year.

“It’s nice to see them being competitive,” said Mennel, who attended the watch party with several classmates.

A Family Legacy

Jessie Webster graduated from the university in 2017, and her grandmother also graduated from the university, so she feels like going to school there is like a family legacy, she said.

She loved the atmosphere of sporting events when she was a student and was glad to see so many people rooting for the Illini.

“You see so many people here doing the same thing,” Webster said. “I always want to support Illinois academically, sportswise, everything.”

A Sense of Community

Luis Villagomez graduated in 2020. He went to many football games but none as important as Tuesday’s. “I’m just happy that they’re in a bowl game because when I was in school they were never right,” he said.

Villagomez said the atmosphere of community present at those games is part of the reason why graduates continue to support the sports teams even after leaving campus.

“I think it’s the atmosphere of the games and the pride people have of going to Illinois,” Villagomez said. “You see everybody have that community, and it continues even afterwards.”

A Double Celebration

For Mennel, the afternoon party was the extent of his New Year’s Eve celebrations. The game was a chance to get together with his longtime Illini pals, who keep him connected with the school.

“When I was there I made the best friends of my life,” Mennel said. “I go down there a lot, I still play fantasy football with them, we’re still great friends, and we stay connected through sports.”

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Conclusion

The Citrus Bowl victory was a high point for Illini fans, who got to celebrate their team’s win and ring in the new year. The sense of community and pride that comes with being an Illini fan was palpable at the watch party, and it’s clear that the team’s success is a big part of that.

FAQs

Q: What was the final score of the Citrus Bowl game?

A: The final score was Illinois 21, South Carolina 17.

Q: How did the Illini fans celebrate the win?

A: The fans celebrated the win by cheering and high-fiving each other, and many popped bottles of champagne to mark the occasion.

Q: What was the atmosphere like at the watch party?

A: The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering and chanting throughout the game. The sense of community and camaraderie was palpable, and it was clear that everyone was excited to be there.